60 Days of Beauty: Day 37 - Responding to Vision

We held out a vision last night to our 5th-12th grade students to see if they would grab it: 40 students praying for Teens in Crisis and Human Trafficking every day till the end of the school year.  It was fairly simple.  Students select a day of the week to be their day and select an issue to be their issue.  They can pray for 5 minutes on that day or they can pray for 5 hours.  They can pray by themselves or they can get together with a group.  They can fast from a meal and pray.  They can journal their prayers.  Ultimately the form and method of prayer is not the point.  The focus of the prayer and the corporate step of prayer is the key.

For Human trafficking, there are 4 categories of focus to our prayer:

1. The Victims.

2. The anti-trafficking ministries and organizations.

3. The Traffickers.

4. The Spiritual Realm.

For Teens in Crisis, there are 4 categories of focus to our prayer:

1. Our Peers in crisis.

2. NMC Student Ministries.

3. Ministries working with Teens in Crisis (mainly RETA and Groundwire).

4. The Spiritual Realm.

At the close of the night, 500+ 5th-12th Grade Students were invited to respond and commit. The response was a BEAUTIFUL mass of humanity.  

We were hoping to reach our goal by next Wednesday,In one night of commitments from students, we pretty much met the goal. Only a Friday and Saturday have a few more slots.

A Beautiful response to pray that God could make beauty from the ashes of two significant issues in our world today.

The Reality of Child Trafficking

There are some pretty amazing organizations out there seeking to put an end to modern day slavery.  Love146 is one that has always gripped me because of the story how they got their name.  Watch this, and try not to be moved to action.


Love146 History from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

A Big Celebration and A Chance to Take Part in A Miracle

This Wednesday Night we will be having our K.I.N. celebration, where we will take time to close out our school year focus on Kids In Need. We will celebrate we have Gained Awareness and Given Sacrificially, and consider how we plan to Live Differently from here on out.


As a special part of the night, we are going to take to be taking a special offering for a project I encountered while in Rwanda in April. An email Pastor Jason Thompson sent out today explains the situation very well.

At the "Kids In Need" Celebration this Wednesday night, we'll be taking an offering to help build a church in the Pygmy tribe of Rwanda where. Last school year, as a result of Rwanda Night and the Silent Auction, our students helped make possible a Rwandan Exodus Conference that resulted in the planting of over 30 churches in remote and unchurched areas of Rwanda.

One of the churches that was planted as a result of this Exodus, was in the Pygmy tribe. For only $1,400, we can now build these people a church building to meet in.

The stakes are high because unless the Pygmies have a formal meeting place (meaning a building), they will not be allowed to continue meeting as a church body. There is a law in Rwanda that was put into place shortly after the Rwandan Genocide that said people were not allowed to have formal outdoor gatherings in one location for an undetermined amount of time.

The Pygmies have less than 6 months to build a church. We would love to leave Wednesday night with enough money to build the Pygmies a church building before they are no longer allowed to meet!

The Pgymy pastor believes it will take a "miracle" of God for this to happen. Wouldn't it be cool for your student to be apart of someone else's "miracle"?

I'm excited to see NMC take part in this special miracle.

Friday 5: Big Deals

Five Big Deal Events Coming up:

1. Adoption Silent Auction: It starts tomorrow. 50+ items are up for bid on Janelle's blog. We recently decided that we will be giving 10% of proceeds to a Kids In Need project and 90% will go toward our international adoption.
2. SOAR Retreat: There will be 9 College Age Guys and Gals who join our Staff this weekend. The SOAR Interns will be working with Children's Ministry, Student Ministries, and Worship. Monday evening, we take off for Michigan with this group to get them ready for a Summer that could very well change their life.
3. K.I.N. Celebration: Next Wednesday we put a "closing" on our school year that has been dedicated to Kids In Need. How did we gain and give, and how are we going to now live because of Kids In Nee.
   
4. I'm With Coco in Chicago: Janelle and I will be heading to Chicago next Thursday-Friday as a late celebration of our 10th anniversary. We will be seeing Conan O'Brien at the Chicago theater and staying at a hotel on the Magnificent Mile. Great times.
5. Communication Workshop: May 24-26, I'll be taking the SOAR Interns through some communication training.

Insanely busy, but really exciting.

It Just Got Personal - Part 7

To many, this is a picture you might see in National Geographic.
To me, it’s a Pygmy refugee.

The Pygmies have fled the jungles of the D.R.C. because the rebel armies have been ravaging them. The rebels have been told the Pygmies possess special powers. In an effort to receive those powers, the rebels have been known to slaughter the Pygmies then eat them.
(yes, you read that correctly... EAT THEM).

The Pygmies are even seen in the refugee in the refugee camp.

Ironically, I never got his name in the mix of everything. I do know that the only thing he was wearing that day was the sweatshirt you see. He was walking through the mud and would head back to his tent made of a tarp and sticks.

To many this is just a picture you might see in National Geographic.

To me, refugees now have a face and a story. Unfortunately it still doesn’t have a name… and it’s still very personal.

It Just Got Personal - Part 6

To many this is a picture of a man praying for someone.
To me, it’s a Jacob, who is suffering from Malaria. Were he in the states, he’d have access to the needed medical attention to be able to live a somewhat normal life. In the mountains of Rwanda, he is facing death. In that moment, all we could do was pray.

To many this is a picture of a man praying for someone.
To me, preventable diseases like malaria now has a name and a face.

As we prayed in that hut...
It just got personal.

It Just Got Personal - Part 4

To many this is a picture of a little African boy.

To me it’s Paul… the AGC Baby Center orphan who loves to swing on his swing. In fact, it seems that's all he ever wants to do. He hardly ever smiles. But if you go for his stomach and tickle like mad, the most amazing smile that could stop time comes beaming from him.

To many this is a picture of a little African boy.
To me, the African orphan crises has a name, a face and a story.

It just got personal.

It Just Got Personal - Part 3

To many this is a picture of a white lady and some random black boy.

To me, it’s my wife holding John.
John fell asleep while watching our IMPACT team do their drama.
Janelle swooped in to pick him up and hold him tight while he dreamed.
John is an orphan who lives in the Mathare slums.
John's primary care giver is a 14 year old girl named Sara.
Tonight he does not have a mommy that will rock him to sleep or comfort his cries.

To many this is a picture of a white lady and some random black boy.
To me, "street kid" has a name, and a story.

It’s John… and it just got personal.

PRAYER POST - Finishing Up, Parting Ways

Today (Saturday) we hit the second stretch in our debriefing process. Again, this time is so essential in making sure students are prepared to grow as they head back into the valley from this "Mountain Top Experience."

Also on the itinerary today is some shopping time and a feast at a steak house.

At around 8:00 p.m. (Kenya time, 1:00 p.m.) back home, there is a parting of ways. Jamie, Jolinda, and Janelle will head into the airport with the team to get back home. I head to a hotel to connect with Caleb Bislow for the next leg in my journey.

Pray:

• Safety as we travel through Nairobi.
• Great last memories of Kenya.
• Clarity in the debrief time.
• Clear next steps as we prepare to head home.
• Easy check in and flight prep.
• Ministry opportunities as we go through the fun times.

Trip Update: Maasai Time

Today is one I personally will not soon forget. In 2006 I spent some time with Caleb Bislow in India. While there, he began to explain his vision for the Maasai Project. On the flight back to the U.S., I turned to Janelle and asked, "What if we were to throw out the idea to our students of finding ways to partner with Caleb?" That turned into a question, "What if NMC Student Ministries took part in an effort to share God's story with a tribe halfway around the world?"

After multiple trips by Caleb, and significant financial and prayer support by our Student Ministries, and 3 1/2 years, something exciting took place as we met in the Kenyan village where the Maasai Project was truly birthed. 10 students from NMC saw it, felt it, smelled it, and got face to face with it.

We took part in some Maasai Worship (which included jumping, chanting, and marching... awesome!) and then presented dramas and testimonies. We toured a Maasai hut, played with the children, and simply enjoyed God together.

Personally, as I stood arm and arm with Caleb and Simon (the Maasai Pastor who helped birth the Maasai Project), it was exhilarating and fulfilling.

From there, something else exciting happened. Former NMC SOAR Intern and current Senior Pastor (Walled Lake Missionary in Michigan) Matt Maloney was also there with us. Matt is heading to Tanzania to work with Simon and Moses (another Maasai pastor) to continue to reach all of Maasailand with the Gospel. Also, Caleb Bislow and I will be shortly heading into Rwanda and the DRC. Finally, the NMC team will be heading home to live out their faith in a new way at home.

3 significant ministries heading out from a village in the middle of the Great Rift Valley.

Lot's of pics:

The students are now in their debriefing time, working through the snapshots and highlights. Pray that God will make his purpose in bringing each student clear, and unfold his plan from here!

Trip Udate: Picks from Lake Nakuru

PRAYER POST: A Sad Goodbye, A Long Awaited Uniting, and Processing

Today (Friday) is an sad and exciting day for us.
Sad - We say goodbye to the babies and workers of the AGC Baby Center

Exciting - We will traveling off the beaten path to the Maasai village of Namuncha where we will connect With Caleb Bislow and some of the key pastors of the Maasai project.

From 2006-2008, NMC Student Ministries were able to raise and give $30,000 to see a disciple-making movement take place in Maasai land. The village we are visiting is where the vision and burden started with Simon and Caleb. For me, it's a monumental meeting as NMC Student Ministries, Jamie & Jolinda Lengacher (representing our efforts with the Baby Center), Simon Saitoti, and Caleb Bislow meet and worship together.

We will spend the day with the Maasai and put on an outreach service outside a church. From Namuncha, we head into Nairobi. This evening we will be starting our debrief time... an esential part of an NMC Student Ministries IMPACT experience.

Please Pray:

• For our departure from the Baby Center... that God will allow the ministry that has taken place in our lives and those connected with the Baby Center long after we have left.
• For our time with the Maasai... that God will bless our uniting and direct the dramas, testimonies and worship time together in the service.
• For the beginnings of our debrief time... that we will allow God to speak into our lives the key reasons he brought us on this journey and the major takeaways for us.
  
• Four our
  

Trip Report: A Day of Goodbyes and Fun

We got our last time with the babies this morning. It was enjoyable and sad.

Our time at Nakuru Lake was amazing. We saw a ton of animals (including giraffes, rhinos, a lion, monkeys, baboons, and flamingos), shared a lot of laughs, and soaked in God's breathtaking creation.

We are wiped out, all are in bed. Sorry for no pictures. I'm wiped out too.

PRAYER POST: One more Day with the Babies

We'll keep this one simple:

This morning will be our last time with the babies. Pray that we will take full advantage of the remaining moments we have here.

This afternoon we head out on a safari through Lake Nakuru Park. Pray that it will be a more than just a time or tourism, but a time of worship.

PRAYER POST: City by the Highway

Today (Wednesday) we make a trip to Salgaa. This town is home to a significant amount of woman who have turned to prostitution in efforts to provide for their family. We will be spending time going door to door... listening and sharing the love of Christ. We will also likely perform our dramas.

Be in prayer for divine appointments and a deep heart of compassion from us.

Trip Update: 4 Snapshots

As the sun has set on Tuesday, and there are some pretty tired team members. It's very much the great kind of tired. 4 snapshots to share with you to explain our day.

Snapshot 1: Baby Time. It has been awesome watching our team spend time with the kids. The photo you see above is one of many that could show a variety of team members and Baby Center Babies. These students have loved excessively.

Snapshot 2: A Trip to the Farm. We walked over to the Farm that is a part of the AGC ministry. We took a walk to the back of the field where we came upon two graves. Moses and Abigail. As we stood out there, Kids In Need became a little more real. The validity of the AGC Baby Center's ministry. As Jamie said so well, without the Baby Center there would likely be 90 more graves like it. I think for many of us, this is a snapshot that will be etched in our memories for quite some time.

Snapshot 3: Team Picture. In a rare opportunity, we were able to meet with nearly the entire staff of the Baby Center. The staff threw a going away party for Margie Helmuth. As a part of this time, we presented every worker with a certificate, some U.S. treats (lots of chocolates), and some other articles of appreciation for all they do.

Snapshot 4: Margie. NMC's Margie Helmuth leaves Kenya next week after 3 1/2 years of Ministry with WGM and the AGC Baby Center. Her going away party was a special time as we were able to present her with a recorded message from Pastor Dave as well as several gifts. Margie's is the story of a humble and obedient woman who has changed the lives of many. It was awesome for our team to take part in this experience.

Off to bed. Please remember us in prayer (scheduled post on how to best pray coming in two hours).

Trip Update: At the Baby Center

First off, we've unfortunately been unable to post twitter updates from Jamie's phone from Kenya. He's able to send text messages, but for some reason Twitter won't accept his "Tweets." He does have at least one of each parents' numbers in his phone and will send periodic updates to you. Our apologies for this one.It's 10:30 a.m. here in Ngata Kenya. While you are sleeping in the U.S. the team is outside playing with 36 of the most adorable children I ever seen (I can only think of one little girl I know is more adorable).

A little rundown on what's been going on since my last post.

Saturday:

6:30 p.m. - Pizza at Robin Moore's house. We took time to debrief our experiences from our day spent in the Mathare slums and with the orphans. It was very encouraging to see the level at which the team is processing their experience. We left the majority of our shoes with Robin and Least of these Ministries for them to those in need!

Easter Sunday:

7:15 a.m. - Load up the vans at Grace House Hotel in Nairobi and begin our journey to Ngata. As you enter the Great Rift Valley, it is one of the most beautiful drives I have ever taken. We saw zebras, impala, and one van even saw a giraffe!

9:15 a.m. - One of the vans gets a flat tire. Oh, the adventures on a missions trip!

10:15 a.m. - Van #1 arrives at the Baby Center and heads straight to the AGC Church for Easter Service.

10:30 a.m. - Van #2 arrives. We spend the morning worshiping with our Kenyan brothers and sisters. We are introduced in front of the church and receive gifts from the church (very humbling). I preached a message ("We live in a Good Friday world, but we are an Easter People"... thanks for the phrase Pastor Dave), Brittany Lengacher & Nick Berkey share their testimonies (did a fantastic job), and our Redeemer drama performed (also knocked it out of the park).12:45 p.m. - Church Service ends, and we head to Nakuru for lunch.

4:00 p.m. - Head up to our rooms. Orientation and tour of Baby Center.5:00 p.m. - Finally, we get to hold some babies. It took approximately 72 seconds for everyone on the team to be holding, playing with, or tickling babies.7:30 p.m. - Supper

9:00 p.m. - Debrief the Day. Again, I can see God is speaking to the students in significant ways. I am not going to be surprised if we see several career missionaries come out of this team.


The team is healthy, well-adjusted to time change, getting stretched, and loving it! I find myself moved as I have been able to see, hear and touch the AGC Baby Center. To any and all who have or are currently supporting the work that is happening here, understand that it is legit and changing lives.

PRAYER POST: Baby Center Time!

For the next two days, it's all about the babies! Our Monday and Tuesday will be spent at the Baby Center. We'll be loving on the babies, encouraging the workers, and doing work around the Center. Kayla and Kaity have prepared some awesome activities for us to do with the babies. Nick and Kristen have various unique ways we'll be encouraging the workers. Jamie and Brant will be guiding us as we paint and do other odd jobs.

Pray for us over these next 48 hours:

• That the eyes of the orphan will capture us.
• That we will love on the kids like crazy.
• That God will speak to students as we minister.
• I firmly believe God is going to be unfolding some of his calling and future plans in the hearts of team members. Pray that we will be keen to his voice and open to his calling.
• Health for the babies.
• Encouragement for the workers.
• Just pray for the Baby Center and it's continued ministry.
• Remember team members by name: Kristen Schwenger, Amanda Yoder, Kayla Koontz, Sydney Koontz, Kaitlyn McFarland, Brittany Lengacher, Brant Nine, Cody Cline, Nick Berkey, Tim Berkey, Jolinda Lengacher, Jamie Lengacher, Janelle Prenkert, Derry Prenkert.

PRAYER POST: Easter and Baby Center

*Remember, All PRAYER POSTS were written and set to post before we left the States. There is always a chance for curve balls and changes in plans. Below is what was planned prior to departure.

This Easter morning (as you go to bed) we wake up in Nairobi and head to our home for the week... the AGC Baby Center. When we arrive at the Baby Center, we immediately head over to celebrate a risen savior at the Africa Gospel Church in Ngata. I (Derry) will be preaching. Several students will be sharing their testimonies, and both dramas will be sharing during the church service that is likely to last 4 hours.

After the service and lunch, our first time to meet the babies!

Pray For:

• Derry as he preaches.
• The students who will be sharing their testimonies.
• The dramas that will be presenting the Gospel.
• Energy and continued adjustment to the time difference.
• Divine Baby Greetings.
• Eager and willing hearts by the team to mingle with the Kenyan Church.
• Any curve balls we may receive at the church service
  
• Jamie, Jolinda, Janelle, and Derry as they lead.
• A good group sharing time and debrief at the end of the day.
  

Prayer POST: Mathare and 250 Orphans

As you go to bed tonight, we will be waking up to head out to the Mathare Slums of Nairobi. This 3 mile square of buildings and alleys is home to as many as 800,000 Kenyans who are in extreme poverty. We will be partnering with WGM missionary Robin Moore to provide a day of fun, food, and hope for orphans. As many as 250 orphans will be brought out of this area to a park where we will feed them, play games, do crafts, dramas, simply love on them, share Christ.

Following our time of working with the kids, we will head into the Mathare for a brief tour of the area and the ministry that is taking place there.

Pray for us today/tonight:

• That we may be the hands and feet of Jesus.
• That we will be soaked in compassion, mercy and love.
• That our eyes, hearts and ears would be open to the things God wants us to see, feel and hear.
• That we might have supernatural energy (we'll be working with the kids 3-6 a.m. U.S. time)
• That God will watch over and guide our every action.